Diploma in Biomedical Science
Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 2 locations
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Duration
- 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
- Fees (first year)*
Overview
The Diploma in Biomedical Science is an important stepping-stone toward achieving your career and study goals. Students who undertake a Diploma in Biomedical Science will be able to gain credit for up to the first year of study and articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and potentially other health science bachelor degrees at ACU, or exit with the Diploma in Biomedical Science as a standalone qualification.
Undertaking the ACU Diploma in Biomedical Science will help you to develop the academic skills and university experience needed to succeed in more advanced tertiary study.
Our Diploma in Biomedical Science provides a Commonwealth supported place (CSP-funded) for domestic students and will help you achieve your goals.
We are here to support you from start to finish whether you have just finished Year 12 or finished years ago. We ensure smaller class sizes, offer tailored support as you transition to university study, and provide a range of student services to help you succeed.
Course details
Course structure
To qualify for the Diploma in Biomedical Science, students must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy (for sub-bachelor entry programs, see Schedule 1: Eligibility ranks).
Domestic applicants are required to have completed the Australian Year 12 certificate or equivalent. In addition, to be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have also completed:
- Equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs; OR
- Entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in Schedule 4 (Associate Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses) of the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
The Diploma in Biomedical Science will provide a pathway into the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. It may also provide a pathway into a range of double degrees.
Fees
Course costs
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
Staff Profile
Associate Professor Pre de Silva
Associate Professor, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Associate Professor Pre De Silva lecturers in chemistry at our North Sydney Campus. She obtained her PhD from the University of Aberdeen (UK). Before joining ACU, she worked as a lecturer at the University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka), as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Lancaster (UK), and then as a research scientist in the Manufacturing and Materials Division at CSIRO. Dr De Silva has extensive research experience in wider areas of chemistry, including novel biomaterials for bio-medical applications, utilisation of industrial wastes in the development of eco-friendly, low-carbon binders and carbon dioxide mineral sequestration.
Dr Santha James
Senior Lecturer, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Dr Santha James joined ACU with a rich multicultural experience of learning, teaching, curriculum development and research from institutions in India, Lesotho, South Africa and Australia. She is one of the founding members of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science programme and the combined degrees with Laws, Business and Applied Public Health. She led the course development and implementation as the National Course Coordinator for Biomedical Science from 2015 to 2019 and continues her contributions to teaching and curriculum development as Senior Lecturer in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and genetics. She believes in inspiring students through her continuing love of learning and research. Santha was awarded an ACU Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for engaging students from diverse backgrounds in the science curriculum and inspiring them for critical thinking and lifelong learning through passionate and scholarly teaching. She continues to seek new knowledge regarding teaching and learning through her research into student learning styles and students’ acquisition of science concepts at ACU.